Of Mask & Crosses

Caged Passion, Loneliness. Cross, holy union. Phallus, power. Archetypal personality, mask. These are words of Danny Castillones Sillada describing his works. A former seminarian who left the “caged life” when he was just about to be ordained, Sillada tells his life and insights through brushstrokes and poetry.“I realized it wasn’t meant for me, I wasn’t meant for the priesthood. I realized it’s a lonely life,” he says, never regretting turning his back on priesthood but admitting that he looks back and reminisces once in a while.Explaining the phallic symbols present in his paintings, Sillada says they arise “out of repressed desires. It is a sign of power for the things that I have lost during my stay in the seminary.” Sillada may have turned his back on the vow of chastity, which he admits is one of the challenges that prompted his exit, but – not to be judged as someone who has completely forsaken any attachments to his former vocation – crosses remain a predominant theme in his works. “My art is my past, present and future,” he says.-- Jacqueline L. Ong, art writer and journalist________________________________________Ong, Jacqueline L. “Danny Sillada: a Passion to Create." What’s On & Expat (Lifestyle & Culture) 14-20 May 2006: 12.